NSW libraries to deploy 1.5 million RFID tags

The Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC) is looking to fit out eight libraries with RFID tagging systems [PDF].

Council libraries will fit the  RFID tags to audio visual gear, toys, DVDs and books to allow for the self check-out of books. The tags will also allow for better management of stock and security.

Laura Beattie, a spokeswoman for Woollahra Council said the self check-out service would no longer allow theft to occur unnoticed.

"Theft will be prevented via security gates in the library that will alarm when an unchecked book or library item goes through them," she said.

The chips are currently fitted at Marrickville, Randwick and Sutherland Council libraries. Ashfield, Canada Bay, Canterbury, Waverley and Woollahra Councils are next in line to implement the new system.

In sum the eight libraries expect to tag some 1.5 million items with the chips.